The Code
of the
Clemson University
Graduate Student Body
1
PREAMBLE
1.1
Purpose and Authority
1.1.1
This Code collects all legislation enacted by the Clemson University Graduate Student
Government, exclusive of appropriations and other time-limited legislation.
1.1.2
The legislation contained herein is inferior to the Supreme Constitution and the
Graduate Student Body Constitution but superior to the Rules of Order of the Graduate
Student Senate.
2
ELECTIONS
2.1
Graduate Election Commission
2.1.1
2.2
The Graduate Election Commission ("GEC") shall independently manage Executive
Branch elections.
2.1.1.1
The President shall appoint one (1) Commissioner and two (2) members from
the Clemson University Graduate Student Body to the GEC.
2.1.1.2
Appointees shall be confirmed by a majority of the Senate.
2.1.1.3
A graduate student running for an Executive Office or serving as a Senator may
not serve on the GEC.
2.1.2
The Commissioner shall lead and supervise the commission.
2.1.3
The GEC shall have the following powers and duties:
2.1.3.1
Determine and publish the dates for candidacy filings, candidate meetings,
campaigning, and voting.
2.1.3.2
Verify the qualifications of each candidate within two (2) business days of said
candidate's completed filing.
2.1.3.3
Ensure all Campaign Rules are followed and enact punishment when violations
occur.
2.1.3.4
File election reports and rulings with the Executive Branch no later than one
(1) calendar day following the conclusion of the election.
Candidacy
2.2.1
Candidate: The word "Candidate" as used in this Code means a graduate student
seeking election for a position in the Executive Branch of the Clemson University
Graduate Student Government.
2.2.2
A graduate student may seek candidacy by completing the following steps:
2.2.2.1
File an intention to run for office with the Commissioner of the GEC.
2.2.2.2
Sign an Election Code compliance document.
2.2.2.3
Pay a non-refundable filing fee of twenty (20) dollars.
2.2.2.4
Demonstrate Constitutional eligibility to hold the desired office.
2.2.3
2.2.4
A graduate student desiring to become a Candidate must satisfy the following criteria:
2.2.3.1
Complete at least one semester as a graduate student at Clemson University
within two (2) years prior to the current election year.
2.2.3.2
Have, at the time of filing, a minimum 3.0 cumulative graduate grade point
average.
2.2.3.3
Intend to be enrolled as a graduate student at Clemson University for the
calendar year following their election.
2.2.3.4
Not be on disciplinary probation with Clemson University.
2.2.3.5
Not be disqualified from two (2) previous elections.
A graduate student desiring to become a Candidate for the office of Vice President of
the Graduate Student Body must satisfy the following criteria in addition to Section
2.2.3:
2.2.4.1
2.3
Complete at least one (1) semester of service in the Senate or have equivalent
experience with parliamentary procedure and Senate rules and policies as
determined by the GEC.
2.2.5
A graduate student may not be a Candidate for more than one office at the same time.
2.2.6
A graduate student shall become a Candidate upon verification by the GEC that the
student has met all of the candidacy requirements for the desired office.
2.2.7
A Candidate may withdraw from the election by submitting a letter to the GEC at least
seven (7) calendar days prior to the election date.
Campaign Rules
2.3.1
Campaigning and fundraising of any form shall not be permitted prior to February 15.
2.3.2
Candidate Meetings
2.3.3
2.3.2.1
All Candidates are required to attend candidate meetings held by the GEC,
unless given a specific exemption by the GEC.
2.3.2.2
The GEC shall hold a mandatory candidate information meeting no earlier than
February 10 and no later than February 15.
2.3.2.3
The GEC may hold additional candidate meetings as needed.
Advertisements
2.3.3.1
Advertisement: The term "advertisement" as used in this Code means all
written and verbal forms of promoting a Candidate.
2.3.3.2
All written and digital advertisements must be registered with the GEC within
two business days of dissemination by providing either:
2.3.3.2.1
A copy of the advertisement, either digital or physical.
2.3.3.2.2
A photograph of the advertisement with all text clearly readable.
2.3.3.3
All advertisements must adhere to Clemson University policies, including
Clemson University Facility Use Police, Appendix E.
2.3.3.4
Candidates shall only use advertisements registered with the GEC and, as
appropriate, the University.
2.3.3.5
Advertisements shall not be placed in any Clemson University mailbox, nor will
advertisements be placed on vehicles, or in any other location except as
permitted by Clemson University Facility Use Policy, Appendix E.
2.3.3.6
The following guidelines shall be observed for advertisements smaller than
eleven (11) inches by seventeen (17) inches:
2.3.3.6.1
2.3.3.7
2.3.4
2.4
All advertisements must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours
of the conclusion of the election.
The following guidelines shall be observed for advertisements eleven (11)
inches by seventeen (17) inches or larger:
2.3.3.7.1
An advertisement shall not exceed the size of eight (8) square feet.
2.3.3.7.2
An advertisement shall be posted on campus only within five (5)
academic days of the election date.
2.3.3.7.3
A Candidate shall be restricted to six (6) advertisements.
2.3.3.7.4
All advertisements must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours
of the conclusion of the election.
No campaigning may take place within 15 feet of a student in the act of voting. If a
complaint is filed with the Graduate Election Commission, it will be the discretion of the
GEC to decide whether or not there was an intent to campaign by the candidate. Any
intent to campaign by the candidate within 15 feet of a student in the act of voting will
be considered a major infraction.
Campaign Rules Violations
2.4.1
Minor Infraction: The term "minor infraction" as used in the Code means a violation
which would likely not change the outcome of the election.
2.4.2
Major Infraction: The term "major infraction" as used in this Code means a violation
which would likely change the outcome of the election.
2.4.3
Unless otherwise stated in this Code, the GEC shall determine the classification of
infractions for campaign rule violations.
2.4.4
The punishment for a minor infraction shall be:
2.4.4.1
2.4.5
2.4.6
2.5
2.6
A fine not exceeding fifteen (15) dollars
The punishment for a major infraction shall be either or a combination of:
2.4.5.1
A fine not exceeding thirty (30) dollars
2.4.5.2
Disqualification from the election
A Candidate shall be disqualified upon any of the following conditions:
2.4.6.1
The Candidate accumulates more than thirty (30) dollars in fines
2.4.6.2
The Candidate accumulates three (3) minor or major infractions
2.4.7
Fines must be paid to the GEC within three (3) academic days of issuance or further
penalties may be assessed.
2.4.8
An elected Candidate may not assume office until any and all fines are paid.
Candidate Forum
2.5.1
A Candidate forum organized by the GEC shall be held at least three (3) calendar days
before the election date.
2.5.2
The forum shall be advertised to the Graduate Student Body and shall be open to the
general public.
2.5.3
All registered Candidates or their representatives for each office shall be allowed to
speak about their platform and to answer questions from attendees.
2.5.4
The GEC shall facilitate the forum in an organized manner, giving each Candidate equal
opportunity to speak.
Voting
2.6.1
Only currently enrolled graduate students shall be eligible to vote in elections for CGSG
Executive Officers.
2.6.2
Elections shall be conducted online in cooperation with Clemson University, except in
the following extenuating circumstances:
2.6.2.1
A failure of infrastructure which prevents electronic voting.
2.6.2.2
2.6.3
2.7
2.8
Conclusive evidence of voter fraud or tampering is found when an electronic
vote is taken.
In the event of extenuating circumstance, elections shall be re-held either electronically
if the issue causing the extenuating circumstance can be resolved or with paper ballots
and polling stations. The following guidelines shall be observed if paper ballots are to be
used:
2.6.3.1
The GEC shall print ballots.
2.6.3.2
The GEC shall advise the Graduate Student Body of the number and locations
of polling places at least three (3) calendar days prior to the election, the day
prior to the election, and the day of the election.
2.6.3.3
Graduate students attending Clemson by distance education only or living
more than fifty (50) miles from the nearest polling location shall be allowed to
vote by email.
2.6.3.4
Campaign advertisements must be at a minimum one-hundred (100) feet from
designated polling locations.
Election Results
2.7.1
For each office, the Candidate receiving a plurality of the total number of votes cast
shall be the winner.
2.7.2
In the case of a tie, run-off elections for the tied office shall be conducted as quickly as
possible, in the same manner as the general election, until a Candidate receives a
plurality.
2.7.3
The Commissioner of the GEC shall notify the Graduate Student Body of the results of
the election by noon (12:00 PM) of the day following the certification of the election
results.
2.7.4
The Commissioner of the GEC shall provide a written certification of the election results
to the CGSG Advisor within twenty-four (24) hours of the certification.
CGSG Neutrality
2.8.1
No member of CGSG in their official capacity shall endorse or support any Candidate.
2.8.2
No campaign advertisements shall be posted in spaces controlled by CGSG.
2.8.3
No materials pertaining to a Candidate's campaign shall be stored in spaces controlled
by CGSG.
2.8.4
No resources belonging to or under the control of CGSG shall be used to support any
Candidate.
3
FINANCE
3.1
Appropriations
3.2
3.3
3.1.1
All general funds collected by CGSG must be spent in accordance with duly enacted
legislation of the Senate or adopted motion of the Special Finance Committee.
3.1.2
Special funds provided to CGSG for a specific purpose may be allocated and spent by the
Executive Branch without need for legislation.
3.1.3
Funds shall be allocated and spent for the direct or indirect benefit of the Graduate
Student Body.
3.1.4
Funds shall be spent in accordance with the purchasing guidelines for South Carolina
state agencies.
Revenue
3.2.1
A Graduate Student Activity Fee shall be levied each fall and spring semester.
3.2.2
The amount of the Graduate Student Activity Fee shall be:
3.2.2.1
Twenty (20) dollars per full-time graduate student, regardless of assistantship
3.2.2.2
Two (2) dollars per credit hour per part-time graduate student
Special Finance Committee
3.3.1
The Special Finance Committee is an ad hoc committee which may be convened by the
Student Body Vice President when the Senate is dissolved or has adjourned for a time to
exceed two (2) weeks.
3.3.2
The membership of the Special Finance Committee shall consist of the Student Body
President, Student Body Vice President, chairs of Satellite Councils, chairs of standing
committees, and Secretary of the Treasury.
3.3.3
The Special Finance Committee shall be chaired by the Student Body Vice President.
3.3.4
A quorum of the Special Finance Committee shall be two-fifths (2/5) of members.
3.3.5
The Special Finance Committee shall have the power, by majority vote, to appropriate
CGSG funds for any purpose in accordance with this Code; however, appropriations of
the Special Finance Committee must be earmarked for specific use and not for
discretionary spending by another individual or body.
4
OATH OF OFFICE
4.1
Administration
4.2
4.1.1
An Oath (or Affirmation) of Office shall be administered to a graduate student upon
entry to a position within CGSG.
4.1.2
For the position of President of the Graduate Student Body, the Oath (or Affirmation)
shall be administered by the outgoing President of the Graduate Student Body. All other
Oaths (or Affirmations) shall be administered by the President of the Senate.
4.1.3
The Oath (or Affirmation) of Office may be administered during a meeting of the Senate
or privately in the presence of at least two (2) witnesses.
Text
4.2.1
The Oath (or Affirmation) of Office for members of CGSG shall be: “I, [NAME], do
solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of [TITLE], and will to
the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Graduate
Student Body.”
5
SATELLITE COUNCILS
5.1
Greenville Council
5.1.1
The Greenville Council shall be a satellite council representing graduate students
enrolled in graduate programs housed on campuses within Greenville County, South
Carolina.
5.1.2
At the beginning of each academic year or if the seat is vacant for any reason, the
President of the Graduate Student Senate shall appoint an Interim Chair of the
Greenville Council, who shall preside until that body appoints a successor.
5.1.2.1
If the Council is dissolved, the Interim Chair shall solicit the selection of
Councilors from Graduate Programs and shall convene the initial meeting of
the Council.
6
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
6.1
Recognition
6.1.1
Clemson University Graduate Student Government may recognize Graduate Student
Organizations by enacting legislation.
6.1.2
Organizations which are recognized shall be granted all the rights and responsibilities
enumerated in this Code.
6.1.2.1
6.1.3
The Organizations Committee shall enforce these rights and responsibilities
and notify organizations of any changes.
A Graduate Student Organization must meet the following requirements to obtain and
maintain recognition by CGSG:
6.1.3.1
Not be a recognized organization of the Clemson University Undergraduate
Student Government
6.1.3.2
Have an advisor who is a full-time employee of Clemson University
6.1.3.3
Plan to hold at least two meetings each semester
6.1.3.4
Limit active membership to the students of Clemson University, with the
exception of honorary, advisory, and associate members
6.1.3.5
Not deny membership on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, religion, sexual
orientation, gender identity or national origin
6.1.3.6
Provide a confidential membership list of at least six (6) members or twenty
(20) percent of graduate students in a program of study if the organization is
sponsored by that program of study, whichever is fewer
6.1.3.7
Comply with national organization requirements if the organization is
chartered by a national organization
6.1.3.8
Provide a Constitution and/or By-Laws containing, at minimum, the following:
6.1.3.8.1
Name
6.1.3.8.2
Purpose
6.1.3.8.3
Requirements for membership
6.1.3.8.4
A list of the official positions of the organization, their duties, the
method of selection, and provisions for filling a vacancy
6.1.3.8.5
The method of selection of Faculty/Staff Advisor(s)
6.1.3.9
6.1.4
6.1.3.9.1
Service and Advocacy: An organization with the primary purpose of
providing philanthropic services which benefit the welfare of
others, as by charitable events, activities, or aid. Provision of said
services should not be performed for tangible, personal, or
collective gain.
6.1.3.9.2
Professional/Academic/Departmental: An organization with the
primary purpose of promoting future professional activity such as
one's occupation or program of study.
6.1.3.9.3
Cultural and International: An organization designated to the
purpose of providing social and cultural awareness to students
along with helping acclimate students from foreign countries to the
Clemson community.
6.1.3.9.4
Honorary: An organization with the primary function of conferring
distinction for honorable achievement.
6.1.3.9.5
Creative and Performing Arts: An organization dedicated to the
practice and encouragement of visual arts, literary arts, and
performing arts such as music, theatre, dance, and film.
6.1.3.9.6
Governing: An organization whose primary purpose is to govern
another body of individuals. These include groups such as Student
Government.
6.1.3.9.7
Special Interest and Activity: An organization whose primary
purpose is to provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss and
share information regarding specific, non-academic related topics
of interest and to participate in such activities.
CGSG may enact legislation to revoke the recognition of any Graduate Student
Organization which violates the recognition requirements.
6.1.4.1
6.1.5
Meet the definition of at least one of the following categories:
Revocation of recognition shall invalidate all pending allocation of funds to the
derecognized organization.
The Organizations Committee shall annually assess and renew, as appropriate, the
recognition of each recognized Graduate Student Organization. This assessment shall
occur at the beginning of each academic year and be completed no later than six (6)
weeks after the start of classes.
6.2
6.3
Rights
6.2.1
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to determine its
structure, provided that it does not conflict with any University policies, and to invite its
own faculty or staff advisors.
6.2.2
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to publish its
organization picture in the Clemson University yearbook.
6.2.3
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to utilize the CGSG
contract with Campus Activities & Events to reserve University facilities, provided the
organization agrees to meet the requirements for the use of the facility.
6.2.4
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to be provided an
organizational email and web account.
6.2.5
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to sponsor a candidate
for Miss Homecoming.
6.2.6
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the right to request funding
from the Clemson University Graduate Student Government.
Responsibilities
6.3.1
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the responsibility to provide any
organizational information to the Organizations Committee upon request.
6.3.2
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the responsibility to participate
in any mandatory meeting held by the Organizations Committee by sending at least two
(2) members to the meeting.
6.3.3
A recognized Graduate Student Organization shall have the responsibility to spend any
and all funds received from CGSG in accordance with University, State, and Federal
guidelines.
6.4
Funding
6.4.1
All allocations of funds to recognized Graduate Student Organizations shall be made on
the basis of funding requests for specific events.
6.4.2
All funding requests must include a line-item budget of the event.
6.4.3
Funds provided by CGSG to an Organization remain State funds and thus are subject to
the purchasing guidelines of State agencies.
6.4.4
Funds provided by CGSG to an Organization shall be earmarked for specific use by the
organization and shall not be reallocated for a different purpose.
6.4.5
Funds awarded to an Organization shall be disbursed upon production of receipts.
7
SUBPOENAS
7.1
Definition
7.1.1
7.2
7.3
Power
7.2.1
The power to issue subpoenas shall be vested in the Senate President Pro-Tempore and
the Chairs of all committees.
7.2.2
The Senate may compel the President Pro-Tempore to issue a subpoena.
7.2.3
A committee may compel the Chair to issue a subpoena.
7.2.4
Abuse of subpoena power may result in censure or impeachment.
Filing
7.3.1
7.4
Subpoena. The term “subpoena” as used in this Code means a formal request for the
submission of information or the appearance of a specific member of the Graduate
Student Body.
A written subpoena shall be filed with the Senate Clerk, stating at minimum:
7.3.1.1
The person or committee submitting the subpoena
7.3.1.2
The recipient of the subpoena
7.3.1.3
The requested information or individual
7.3.1.4
The reason for the subpoena
7.3.2
The Senate Clerk shall maintain a record of all subpoenas issued and shall provide the
Senate with a list of all newly issued subpoenas at each Senate meeting.
7.3.3
A subpoena is issued on behalf of the Senate in the care of the specified member or
committee.
Effect
7.4.1
A subpoena must be filed with the Senate Clerk before service.
7.4.2
Subpoenas shall be served by the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
7.4.3
A subpoena may be invalidated by the CGSG Advisor if the Advisor determines it violates
University, State, or Federal privacy guidelines.
7.4.4
A subpoena cannot be ignored and the recipient must respond or challenge within five
(5) business days of issuance.
7.4.4.1
The recipient may challenge the subpoena by submitting a redress request to
the Attorney General and the Senate Clerk.
7.4.4.2
A recipient who fails to respond in a timely manner may be held in contempt
of the Senate.
8
AMENDMENTS OF THE CODE
8.1
Terms
8.1.1
This Code may be amended by duly enacted legislation receiving the approval of the
Executive Branch.